Cricket Scotland Heading For Stirling

Cricket Scotland will press ahead with its relocation to New Williamfield, the home of Stirling Cricket Club, after they gained approval in principle for the move.

Stirling Council's Community Planning and Regeneration Committee has approved the move to set up a world-class facility and upgrade the ground to international standards.

Cricket Scotland plan to relocate from the National Cricket Academy at Ravelston, Edinburgh and a new pavilion incorporating indoor net facilities will be built at New Williamfield.

The new facility is planned to host international cricket as early as 2015, when the ICC World Twenty20 2016 Qualifiers are held in Scotland.

"Stirling has a strong track record in producing world class athletes and pioneering programmes to encourage sports participation, which lead to improved health and well-being and encourage community cohesion," Councillor Corrie McChord, Convenor of the Planning and Regeneration Committee, said.

"Sport can also make a significant contribution towards achieving some of Stirling Council’s key priorities such as social inclusion, breaking down of social and cultural barriers, crime reduction and health improvement.

"We’re thrilled at the prospect of welcoming Cricket Scotland to Stirling and very much look forward to progressing this project with them.

Keith Oliver, Chairman of Cricket Scotland, added: "This is an exciting year for cricket in Scotland, with the national team qualifying for the 2015 World Cup and more and more people participating in the sport every year.

"We’re excited to be working in partnership with Stirling Council and Stirling County Cricket Club to develop this project and very much look forward to moving into a new world class centre for cricket in the heart of Scotland, with excellent facilities and an upgraded ground.

"The new facility, which will be of One-Day International standard, will serve as the perfect training centre for Scotland’s players at all levels and international teams seeking a training base without their own season.

"It will provide a world class facility for players, members of the club, the local cricket community and visitors to watch matches at all levels and to truly engage with our increasingly popular sport."

A second computer generated image of what the new facility might look like